Buildings and Energy

Lighting:

• The "Switch-Off" Rule: Make it a habit to turn off lights immediately when you leave a room, even if it's just for a moment.

• Daylight Utilization: Open curtains and blinds during the day to maximize natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Consider strategically placing furniture to take advantage of daylight.

• Task Lighting: Use focused lighting (like a desk lamp) instead of overhead lights when you only need light in a specific area

Electronics:

• Unplug the Vampires: Unplug chargers (phone, laptop, etc.) and electronics (TVs, gaming consoles, coffee makers) when they are not actively in use. Many devices continue to draw power even when turned off ("phantom load").

• Power Strip Power: Use power strips for clusters of electronics (like your entertainment center or computer setup) and turn off the entire strip when not in use. This makes it easy to eliminate multiple phantom loads at once.

Heating and Cooling:

• Window Wisdom (Seasonal):

  • Summer: Close curtains and blinds on south- and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day to block solar heat gain.

  • Winter: Open curtains and blinds on sunny days to allow passive solar heating. Close them at night to insulate and retain heat.

• Draft Dodgers: Use towels or draft stoppers to block drafts under doors and around windows.

• Fan Focus: Use ceiling fans to circulate air. In the summer, set them to rotate counter-clockwise to create a cooling breeze. In the winter, set them to rotate clockwise at a low speed to gently push warm air down from the ceiling.

• Dress for the Temperature: Wear layers in the winter and lighter clothing in the summer to remain comfortable without adjusting the thermostat drastically.

Water (Basic Habits):

• Faucet Finesse: Don't let the water run unnecessarily while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes.

• Quick Showers: Be mindful of shower length. Even reducing your shower by a minute or two can save a significant amount of hot water over time.

Choosing Energy-Efficient Appliances:

• Look for the Energy Star Label: This is the most straightforward way to identify appliances that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

• Consider the Size and Features: Choose appliances that meet your actual needs. A larger refrigerator than necessary will consume more energy. Similarly, extra features might use more power.

Efficient Use of Appliances:

Refrigerators and Freezers:

• Optimal Temperature: Maintain refrigerators at 35-38°F (1.7-3.3°C) and freezers at 0°F (-18°C). Colder temperatures waste energy.

• Full but Not Overpacked: A full refrigerator runs more efficiently than a mostly empty one (the food helps maintain temperature). However, don't overpack, as this can block airflow.

• Regular Cleaning: Clean refrigerator coils regularly (usually located at the back or bottom) to ensure efficient heat transfer. Dust buildup makes the compressor work harder.

• Door Seals: Check and maintain door seals to prevent cold air from escaping.

• Resource Type: Appliance manufacturer websites often have care and maintenance tips. The Energy Saver website also has a section on refrigerators and freezers.

Washing Machines and Dryers:

• Wash Full Loads: Run washing machines and dryers with full loads whenever possible to maximize efficiency.

• Cold Water Washing: Use cold water for most loads. It saves significant energy on water heating.

• Shorter Dryer Cycles: Use moisture sensors if your dryer has them and avoid over-drying clothes. Clean the lint trap after every use to improve airflow and efficiency.

• Air Drying: Air dry clothes whenever possible, especially during warmer months in Richmond.

• Resource Type: Energy Saver and appliance manufacturer websites offer tips for efficient laundry.

Dishwashers:

• Run Full Loads: Similar to washing machines, run the dishwasher only when it's full.

• Skip Pre-Rinsing: Most modern dishwashers are designed to clean effectively without pre-rinsing (unless food is heavily soiled).

• Use the Economy Cycle: If your dishwasher has an economy or energy-saving cycle, use it when appropriate.

• Air Dry: Opt for the air-dry setting instead of heat drying to save energy.

• Resource Type: Energy Saver and dishwasher manufacturer websites provide usage tips.

Ovens and Stovetops:

• Use the Right Size Burner: Match the pot or pan size to the burner size on the stovetop.

• Keep Lids On: Use lids when cooking on the stovetop to retain heat and cook food faster.

• Avoid Opening the Oven Door: Each time you open the oven door, the temperature drops significantly, and it uses more energy to heat back up. Use the oven light to check on food.

• Convection Ovens: If you have a convection oven, use the convection setting as it often cooks food faster and more evenly at a lower temperature.

• Smaller Appliances: Use smaller appliances like microwaves, toaster ovens, or slow cookers when appropriate, as they generally use less energy than a full-sized oven.

• Resource Type: Cooking websites and appliance manuals often have energy-saving tips for cooking.

Managing Electronics:

• Unplug When Not in Use (Phantom Loads): As mentioned in behavioral changes, this is crucial for electronics as well. TVs, computers, game consoles, and chargers can draw power even when turned off.

• Smart Power Strips: Use smart power strips that automatically cut power to devices when they are turned off or not in use.

• Adjust Computer Power Settings: Enable sleep mode or hibernate mode on computers and laptops when they are idle. Adjust screen brightness.

• Unplug Chargers: Phone and laptop chargers continue to draw power even when the device is fully charged or not connected.

• Resource Type: Energy Saver has a section on electronics and phantom loads. Many tech websites also offer tips on optimizing device power settings.

Switching to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs:

• LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes): While light bulbs have changed through the years LEDs are the most energy-efficient option, using significantly less energy and lasting much longer than incandescent or CFL (Compact Fluorescent) bulbs.

• Understanding Lumens and Watts: Lumens measure the amount of visible light a bulb emits, indicating its brightness, while watts measure the amount of energy a bulb consumes. Look for bulbs with similar lumens while opting for the one with lower watts.

• Consider Color Temperature (Kelvin): Lower K values (e.g., 2700K) produce warmer, yellow-white light, while higher K values (e.g., 6000K) create cooler, blue-white light. Consider the desired atmosphere: warmer for cozy spaces, cooler for task-oriented areas.

Utilizing Natural Light Effectively (Beyond Just Opening Blinds):

• Skylights and Light Tubes: For homeowners, these can be significant sources of natural light in areas that don't have direct window access.

• Light-Colored Walls and Surfaces: Lighter colors, especially white, reflect more light than darker colors, which absorb more light. This increased light reflection makes the room appear brighter and more illuminated.

• Strategic Placement of Mirrors: Mirrors can help bounce natural light deeper into a room.

Using Lighting Controls:

• Dimmers: Allow you to adjust the brightness of lights, saving energy and creating different moods.

• Timers and Motion Sensors: Automatically turn lights on only when needed, especially useful for outdoor or low-traffic areas.

Outdoor Lighting Efficiency:

• Solar-Powered Lights: A great option for pathways and landscaping that doesn't require wiring.

• LED Outdoor Fixtures: More energy-efficient and longer-lasting than traditional outdoor lighting.

• Timers and Motion Sensors: As mentioned above, these are particularly effective for outdoor security lighting.

Water usage is often interconnected with energy consumption (e.g., heating and pumping water). The utilization of low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses, and efficient landscaping can lead to both water and energy savings.

Reducing Indoor Water Use:

• Low-Flow Fixtures: Upgrade to WaterSense-labeled low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. They use less water without sacrificing performance, leading to significant long-term savings on your water bill.  

• Fixing Leaks: Promptly repair all leaks, even small drips. A leaky faucet or running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons monthly. DIY fixes are often simple; for complex issues, contact a Richmond plumber.  

• Water- Wise Habits: Adopt mindful daily habits to reduce water use. Take shorter showers, turn off water while brushing teeth/shaving, and run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines. Small changes add up to big savings.

Reducing Outdoor Water Use:

• Water-Efficient Landscaping (Xeriscaping): Xeriscaping (zera-scape) is a landscaping approach designed to reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. By selecting plants adapted to the local climate and employing water-wise techniques, you can create a beautiful and sustainable landscape that thrives with minimal watering, saving you time, money, and precious water resources in Richmond.

• Efficient Watering Practices: Watering your yard is often necessary (especially for establishing new plants or during prolonged dry spells), water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth. Aim to water in the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation. Utilize soaker hoses or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to plant roots. Consider collecting rainwater for irrigation and use a rain gauge to avoid overwatering.

• Water-Wise Car Washing:Opt for commercial car washes that recycle water. If washing your car at home, use a bucket instead of a running hose to significantly reduce water consumption. Consider using a waterless car wash product for a quick clean.

This category focuses on the physical barriers between the inside and outside of a home that control airflow and temperature. Upgrades in this area can have a substantial long-term impact on energy bills and comfort. This includes:

• Insulation: Understanding insulation is key for a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Common types include fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose, and spray foam, each with different costs and insulation values (R-values). For our climate, aim for higher R-values in the attic (R-38 to R-60) and walls (R-13 to R-20) to effectively regulate temperatures. Check for cold spots in walls, drafts near outlets, and visibly low or uneven insulation in the attic and crawl spaces to identify areas needing improvement. Improving insulation helps keep your home cooler in our humid summers and warmer in our mild winters, saving you money on energy bills.

• Air Sealing: Homeowners can significantly improve comfort and lower energy bills by tackling air leaks. Air sealing involves blocking unwanted airflow into and out of your home. Common methods include using caulk for small gaps around windows, doors, and where different building materials meet, and applying weather stripping to create a tight seal on movable parts like doors and window sashes. Identifying leak sources can be done with a simple draft test on a windy day. For larger or harder-to-reach leaks, professional air sealing services offer comprehensive solutions.  

• Windows and Doors: Choosing energy-efficient windows and doors is key for a comfortable and cost-effective home. Look for options like double-pane windows with low-E coatings, which help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance, so consider professional help. If new windows aren't in the budget, storm windows or window film can significantly improve the efficiency of your existing ones. For doors, ensure they are well-insulated and have tight seals to prevent drafts and energy loss.